Boutique hotels in Rock Islands

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of around 445 limestone and coral islets, undercut at the waterline into mushroom shapes and covered in forest. Between them lie blue holes, marine lakes, white sand beaches and some of the best reef diving and snorkeling in the world. Jellyfish Lake, home to millions of harmless golden jellyfish, is the best known of the marine lakes.

Where to stay

There is no hotel in the islands, and the stays are in Koror with views over them, such as Palau Carolines Resort, with eight bungalows overlooking the Rock Islands. A kayaking and snorkeling trip by Wilderness Travel adds nights camping on the islands in walk-in tents with cots, sheets and pillows, a toilet structure, a solar shower and a dining tent.

Good to know

A permit is needed to visit, and the fee is paid through the operator. Boat days are best booked ahead, and calmer seas are likelier from March to May. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and respect the rules for Jellyfish Lake, which may close.